Imperial Knights, Eagles claim IBSL crowns

Dubai - The tournament is one of the biggest single stage multi age group event

The 11th edition of the multi division Berry Hills Indian Basketball Society League came to a close with defending champions Imperial Knights hitting top form to defeat ANF All Stars 73-59 for the men's crown, while Earnest Eagles dethroned powerhouse Delhi Private School (DPS)-Sharjah 38-35 in the summit clash of the women's championship.
The two-month non-profit IBSL event, held during the weekends from Thursday to Saturday, is one of the biggest single stage multi age group tournaments in basketball here. Youngsters are groomed and encouraged to go on to the main stream of the sport back home.
Imperial Knights were unstoppable, penetrating at will, and finding open shots on a regular basis. The runaway victory was set up by the brilliance of Shijas Mohammed (14 points), the Most Valuable Player (MVP) of the tournament, and Subin Salimkutty (15). Bonny Paul added more meat for the winners with 11 points.
"We had fortunately a longer training period of twice a week for three months at the community parks here. We sustained our form throughout and held well when All-Stars threatened to run close. Our zonal and freezing tactics were slightly better enabling us to go into the safe zone with six minutes to go in the fourth quarter," said Mohammed Nihal Azad.
It was All Stars who started the game better, but former India probable Manoj Abraham continued to miss open shots which was taken advantage of by the champs. Milton converted a three-point shot and a regular two-pointer to help power the Knights to 18-15 in the first quarter.
In the second quarter, the Knights' Kunal Vohra and Subin Salimkutty fired three pointers and penetrated the All Stars defence at will to put their side up 34-28, at the half time buzzer. For ANF All Stars, Sidheek Razak 19; Milton 13; Manoj Abraham 11; and Atkins 10 entered double digits.
Earnest Eagles had a wild celebration after beating undisputed defending champions of many years, DPS-Sharjah in the women's blue riband event title round. The neck-n-neck match saw many turnovers till the half time.
moni@khaleejtimes.